[2] On July 6, 1846, U.S. Secretary of State John C. Calhoun, on behalf of President Tyler, afforded formal recognition of Hawaiian independence under the reign of Kamehameha III.
Haunani-Kay Trask and others from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa worked closely with film-makers Puhipau and Joan Lander of the production company Nā Maka o ka 'Āina to create the film "Act of War: The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Nation".
The film helped bring the findings of Hawaiian historians like Trask, Jonathan Kamakawiwoʻole Osorio and Lilikalā Kameʻeleihiwa to a larger and broader audience.
Organizer's concerns included crown lands being sold illegally, the desecration of sacred grounds and the moving of ancient burials for the ongoing rail project.
[20] Beginning one week before the event, Hinaleimoana Wong began holding the Mana Ka Lahui Mele Workshops for the community to learn songs being used during the day.
[22] The full event began with protocol observances at Mauna Ala with a march to the palace for the flag raising and then to the statue of Queen Liliʻuokalani where ceremonial offerings were made.